The Portugal Years: Year five – Our First Family Vacation(s)

 

Susie trying to open the door to the varanda so she could go out and read.

Susie early established herself as Mommy’s girl. She was always content and happy as long as Mommy was in sight. If Mama was not in sight, oh my did she ever let her displeasure ring loudly and long. And, if Susie was not happy, no one was happy.

One evening we were in the living room and while Susie was busy, I tried to sneak out of the living room down the hall to the bathroom just to have five minutes for myself. Well, I got out of the living room, and went into the bathroom, leaving the door open and the lights off. I scarcely made it in the door when I heard her. She was creeping down the hall looking for me and every time her hand hit the floor she complained, “ma-MA….”

She also loved books from an early age. Do you see that twinkle of mischief in her eyes? Stay tuned for other photos that clarify that.

Bethy eventually decided that Susie could stay.

Bethy soon got over her fear of being overtaken by the new sister and began to practice the prerogative of the elder sister: she started to try to boss Susie. Fortunately or unfortunately, Susie had a mind of her own, and only minded Bethy’s admonitions when it suited her.

Susie in one of the colorful fishing boats in Nazaré.

 

Most of the traveling we had done up until this time was work related. Now, with a car and some vacation time, we packed up our little family and headed for Nazaré, Portugal. Nazaré is quite possible the most famous beach in Portugal. Not for great treasures, but for the feeling of having walked into the past. We stayed in a Pensaõ, (kind of like a bread and breakfast) and spent a few days there.

Nazaré is famous not only for the fishermen mending their nets on the beach, but also for the women whose fancy skirts covered seven petticoats of various colors. Fishermen’s widows sit on their stoops dressed all in black. They weave a warm a wool that they make into shirts or double-sided cape with a hood by request. You can see some photos of Nazaré here.

On the beach in Nazaré.

Another favorite vacation that year was Curia. Curia means “healing” for the hot springs where people still go for “the cure.” The Romans discovered it when they were in the Iberian Peninsula  We stayed in The Grand Hotel for a few days. It was like a trip back to the 1920s in style. The service was superb as were the meals. Our suite was quite spacious enough for all four of us. Elisabeth discovered a table by her bed that, when she took the drawer out, she could hide inside –  one of her favorite things to do.

 

Curia – Mom and Susie

Daddy with girls.

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What is your favorite place to vacation?